Here, a photograph of some of my favorite people: Sophie & Pam Kohn, grandmere Manijeh Kalantari, and my own Papa, Saeid Roushanzamir. Missing from this photo are my many Iranian relatives and (few) American relatives, Lily Kohn, and obviously my Maman who took the picture. I, of course, am at the Center.
People are frail and flawed creatures. Tender of heart, strict of practice (exercise, discipline, affection). And through it all, sanguine creatures who view optimisim as a virtue.
Perhaps because of these characteristics, Maman has created a new "pet name" for me: double dog darling.
It references a 1950s childhood practice: the double dog dare. The double dog dare is issued in an attempt to up the ante; it's not as commanding as the triple dog dare which (perhaps) exceeds the limits of polite behaviour.
In any case, calling me the double dog darling is Maman's meek attempt at humor. Yes, I'm a darling. Yes, I'm double the darlingness of most doggies. So I accept the nick-name even as I mock its origin. After all, does a dog with the name of Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir really need a pet name?
BTW, apologies to those of you await my entries eagerly and with baited breath. Writers block has held me within its viscious grip. But my thoughts are always with you (each & every one of you) as are my hopes that you're celebrating life and loving it.
